Trail runner/light hiker recommendations.

Remps17

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 1, 2016
Messages
248
I do a lot of short day hunts as I am fortunate enough to walk out my house and be hunting elk in 5 minutes. I typically wear runners for this type of hunting but I tend to destroy runners in a couple years.

I am looking for a lighter hiking boot shoe and was looking for some recommendations. I tried on the zamberlan 215 salathe gtx rr today and I like them, little concerned about breathability with them but like the full Rand. Do you guys have any experience with these or suggestions on something similar.

Looking for something light weight and breathable ish… will be using them mainly for September and early October archery season.

Thanks.
 

taskswap

WKR
Joined
Oct 6, 2021
Messages
452
I have a pair of Salomon SpeedRunner trail runners that have served me well. They're incredibly light and dry very fast. But before I say I recommend them, I think shoes are one of those super-subjective items like music tastes, and trail runners 10x so. With a low-height shoe, it doesn't take much of a difference to rub you just the wrong way and make them miserable. I'd definitely be pushing trying several options on locally vs. buying something online...
 

Samson7x

WKR
Joined
Oct 29, 2019
Messages
448
I’ve got the salathe 226 which is just a 6” version of the one you tried on. I don’t have a lot of miles on them yet but love them so far. Very comfortable and flexible with enough grip. As for breathability, my feet are going to sweat no matter what I use. I haven’t noticed it being any worse with the salathe. I just always use good wool socks. Hope this helps.
 

EJFS

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 9, 2020
Messages
158
I've been using the Altra Lone Peak mid height. I like them a lot, but traction and durability are not great.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
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5,108
Location
Colorado
I also do quite a bit of shorter day hunts close to home. Until the snow falls I am in a pair of Scarpa Light Hikers. I have a few hundred miles on mine and they have held up pretty well. They breathe well, have good traction and are fairly light considering they are a boot. Once the snow hits I switch to a Scarpa mountaineering boot.
 

yfarm

WKR
Joined
Apr 24, 2018
Messages
585
Location
Arroyo City, Tx
Bought a pr of these as they were on sale at 79.99 and had positive review on RS. Little shorter than my Salomon 4Ds, forefoot is a little narrower. Comfortable boot, lacing system good, will see how it goes
 

JRS3

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 24, 2022
Messages
142
Following this.

Looking for day hiking boots as well. I am hiking more with the kids and typically only carry a 1500-1800 cubic inch pack with essentials. Sure, I wear my mounting hunting boots but just looking for lighter options for easier travel, driving in, and just easier to get in and out of.
 
Joined
Apr 9, 2024
Messages
28
The Danner mountain 600 would be a great choice for this particular situation. The are like a boot/shoe. Good choice in my opinion.
 

JRS3

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Sep 24, 2022
Messages
142
I ended up with the Crispi Crossovers and they worked fine on a road trip through a few National Parks, where I hiked about 35 miles with day packs. The boots were on sale so I tried them and they were fine.

I will get the Danner 600s at some point when I see a color I like on sale.
 

LostWapiti

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jan 9, 2023
Messages
207
Location
NV
I have been wearing the Zamberlan 226 and am really liking it so far. Still yet to hunt with it but plan to this year as much as I can. The weight is amazing.
 

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Joined
Apr 9, 2024
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I ended up with the Crispi Crossovers and they worked fine on a road trip through a few National Parks, where I hiked about 35 miles with day packs. The boots were on sale so I tried them and they were fine.

I will get the Danner 600s at some point when I see a color I like on sale.
Awesome!
 

Watrdawg

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 30, 2019
Messages
229
Location
NC
If you are looking for a non waterproof mid height hiking boot that is very lightweight look at the GORUCK MACV2's. They are basically a mid height version of the old Army Jungle boot. I've had a pair for the last 4 months and I run/walk 3.5 miles 3 to 4 days a week with a 35lb weighted vest on in these. They are very comfortable and easily handle the weight even when running. I have a pair of the Lowa Zephyr Mids and they are great boots but I can't run in them like I can the GORUCK's. They are not waterproof in any way but the do dry out very quickly. I used them trout fishing and walking the stream. They were totally soaked of course and they dried out over night.
 
Joined
Aug 15, 2024
Messages
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I just got the Kenetrek bridger high and think they are going to be great light hikers. I will sell my crispi valdres now as they just don’t have enough grip and tread depth for the mountains.
 
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